Razer BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard Review

Apart from noise, there’s one other major issue that I had with the BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard, the spacebar key is a bit iffy while typing. The switch on the spacebar key seems to be located at the center, which is fine while playing games as the thumb is usually extended well over the spacebar, but while typing this becomes very irritating. Usually I press the edges of the spacebar while typing, and sometimes these strokes are not registered as the spacebar will tilt down at the edge, but the switch will not click, hence nospacinginwords. However, it was only a matter of time before I subconsciously started pressing the spacebar more in the middle than the edges.

Another thing that was a little disorienting at first, but something I quickly got used to, was the keyboard lettering. I don’t touch type, so I usually glance at the keyboard to see the keys. The BlackWidow Ultimate uses both small and capitalized letters; “r” is small, whereas “T” is in capital. Not a big deal ultimately as I knew where the keys were anyways, but like I said, it’s quite jarring for the first couple of times.

Since this is Razer’s gaming keyboard, all keys can be customized for Macros, but there are also an additional 5 keys on the left which can be set separately. While you can use the bundled software to assign the macros, you can actually start recording a macro and ending it manually with the Function keys; no need to go outside the game to assign the combos. On-the-fly macro recording plus the ability to switch between 10 profiles gives access to a huge vault of macros for different games and programs.

Going back to the aesthetics, the BlackWidow Ultimate has 5 different levels of blue LED back lights (none, dim, normal, high, pulse) which can be easily adjusted using the Function keys for whatever is suitable depending on the lighting conditions. While each key is individually backlit, it’s a pity that the Function keys aren’t, so often I had to fumble about in the dark while accessing Function keys, such as back light levels, volume controls, profile switching, etc.

The BlackWidow Ultimate uses 2 USB keys to connect and two audio cables as well. All four cables come out in one fat braided cable, splitting into four near the end. The audio ports and an extra USB port are near the top right side for simple, out-of-the-way access.

In closing, all I’ll say about the BlackWidow Ultimate is that it is one of the best gaming keyboards out in the market. It may not have as many features as say the Logitech G19 does, but the way it feels is literally better than any other gaming keyboard out there. If you can live with some of its irritations which you will need some time to get used, you will absolutely fall in love with the BlackWidow Ultimate as both a gaming keyboard and something to type on.